Robert O'Dell Pendergrass

SGM (RET) Robert "Bob" O'dell Pendergrass went to be with his Lord November 16, 2011 at age 79. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at First Southern Baptist Church, 1220 W. 8th Street, with Pastor Nate Butler officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Junction City, Kansas. No visitation is planned. Memorial contributions have been designated to Word of Truth, Inc., P.O. Box 787, Madisonville, TX 77864.

He was born in a logging camp near Clebit, OK son of Earnest O'Dell Pendergrass and Mayme Ann West on December 18, 1931. He graduated from Broken Bow High School in Broken Bow, Oklahoma and later finished 1 year of college.

Bob joined the army in 1949 at age 17. During his 30 years active duty he was with the 18th Infantry Division, the '5th', and the Big Red One. During his service he received these Medals and Commendations: The Bronze Star, 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Legion of Merit, VN Cross Gal w/ Palm.

He retired November 1, 1979 as a SGM having served at Fort Riley, Kansas, Big Delta Alaska, Fitzsimmons Army Hospital, Aurora, CO, Fort Hood, TX, Frankfort, Germany, Seoul Korea, Cam-Ron bay-Ben Hoi and Saigon Viet Nam.

In 1981 Bob went to work for Civil Service at Fort Riley in the ROTC 3rd region office. Bob was a member of the Masonic Union Lodge #7 in Junction City, the Men of the American Legion Post #0045 in Junction City, the Retired Sergeant Majors Association, the 18th Infantry Regiment Association, and an avid bowler for the last 52 years.

After 17 years, he retired the 2nd time to take care of his wife Ginger. Bob married Virginia "Ginger" Hanson on October 29 1951 in De Queen, AR. Together they had 3 children.

Bob was a deacon and member of First Southern Baptist Church in Junction City, KS. He also served as Church Moderator, Church Clerk and Sang tenor in the choir. He has always been known for his service to others and devotion to God and his family.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Ginger Pendergrass. In 2010, Bob married Sonja Jantti.

He is survived by his wife Sonja Pendergrass of Junction City, KS, his children; Theressa A. Pendergrass, Lawrence R. Pendergrass both of Junction City, KS, Cynthia S. Pendergrass-Casebeer of Topeka, KS, three grandchildren; Adam Lawrence Tate of Topeka, KS, Ruth Ann Tate-Cotton of Oakland, CA, Joshua Glenn Tate of Eugene, OR, one great-granddaughter, Shelby Elizabeth Tate of Enid, OK, Brother-in-Law Rick Lawrence Hanson of Junction City, KS, nieces; Leslie Hanson of Junction City, KS, Kim Bulin and her husband Jim of Hereford, TX, nephews; Eric Hanson of Wichita, KS, Bobby Taylor and his wife Elizabeth of Olathe, KS, great-nieces; Jenniffer Bulin of Hereford, TX, Sarah Taylor and Becca Taylor of Olathe, KS and Skylar Ricker of Junction City, KS, great-nephew, Hayden Ricker of Junction City, KS.